Watch: As Tensions Soar, What Next for India & Pakistan?

Will the India and Pakistan choose to escalate or de-escalate their actions?

(Photo: The Quint)

The Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday, 27 February, lodged a strong protest with the acting High Commissioner of Pakistan against unprovoked act of aggression by Pakistan against India. In a statement, India confirmed that the missing pilot was in Pakistani custody and that the government expected his immediate and safe return.

Earlier in the day, in a joint press briefing, the MEA and the Indian Air Force said that India lost one MiG-21 and shot down a Pakistan fighter aircraft. The ministry, at that time, confirmed that one IAF pilot was missing in action.

Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, on Day 2 after the Balakot air strikes, The Quint’s Editorial Director Sanjay Pugalia and Hindi Quint Editor Neeraj Gupta discuss looming questions – will the two countries choose to escalate or de-escalate their actions?

“Until now, India had control over the script. But with the capture of our IAF pilot, India and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan inviting India for dialogue, India may have to rethink its strategy. The choice is between dialogue and escalation.”

Sanjay Pugalia

On IAF Pilot Captured by Pakistan

The IAF pilot in Pakistan’s custody will be governed under the Geneva Convention of 1929 – which specifies that the Prisoners of War (POWs) are usually members of the armed forces of one of the parties who fall into the hands of the adverse party.

POWs cannot be prosecuted and must be returned to their country once the hostilities end, the convention states.

“As per the Geneva Convention, Pakistan now has to ensure the safety of the IAF pilot. Otherwise, it will go against them. Pakistan will also try and use the pilot as leverage against India. Our country must handle the situation with patience”

Sanjay Pugalia

On Imran Khan’s Call for Dialogue

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan invited India for dialogue, stating that “things might get out of control”, if the situation escalates.

Analysing Khan’s speech, Pugalia said, that it must be treated with caution.

“This is Pakistan’s fixed format of speech. They are calling for peace but they also need to show credible that they are acting against terrorists who are acting from soil. Imran Khan’s speech is a good one to listen to but it should be treated with caution.”

Sanjay Pugalia